Saturday 9

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Happy Holidays! (from the archives)

1. [...] Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?

I only remember visiting Santa one time. I'm sure I was shy and terrified about it, but it was the first year the Big Mall opened, so it was a Big Deal.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

Everyone thinks I'm on the Nice list. I guess I am, but I'm sure making some questionable decisions on the daily. Oh well. Doing what I can, I guess.

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?

I send my usual packets of Christmas ornaments to the great-nieces and -nephews, including the two sets that go to England.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?

I did. I bought myself a shirt (I think?) with all the other presents, and a new winter coat today.

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie? Have you seen it yet this year?

I'm not at all into this tradition. I haven't seen any Christmas shows this year (movies or TV shows), nor have I heard much music except at church. I'm ok with that--this year wasn't one I want to remember or have stand out (more than it's going to).

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?

Yes. I was going to do so again this year, but Sparky and I went on Xmas Eve to see the latest Star Wars movie. Maybe I'll go see something this weekend too, maybe the Hugh Jackman movie. I'm dealing with the beginning of a cold today, so we'll see how I feel over the weekend about going out in Arctic temperatures.

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party?

I embarrass myself on a pretty regular basis at parties, mostly without having even a whiff of alcohol. And I haven't been to a proper Christmas party in years.

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?

Hot black tea, preferably Earl Grey or English Breakfast.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

This is last year's swag. It's currently stacked pretty much in this same order on the dining room table, where it's been sitting for 12 months. Does that explain my life this year? Pretty much.

This year, most of my gifts were food from friends, one shirt and a Not-Yet-Published book from Sparky, and yeah, that's about it.

Sunday Stealing x2

(Link in meme-roll)
Bah Humbug!

TV show I loathe:

Pretty much any current sitcom gets on my nerves.

Movie I loathe:

I cannot get through even the first scene of "A Clockwork Orange." It's horrid.

Music genres I loathe:

I'm not much of an opera fan, and I totally don't understand traditional Asian music.

Magazine which annoys me:

Anything marketed toward women that sells ads

Makes me cranky at restaurant:

Bad food, slow/bad service. I'm really pretty mellow, but jeez, dudes, you have one job.... [I had a bad experience at an old favorite place last night]

Makes me cranky in public:

Mean people being mean.

Makes me impatient at home:

Myself.

Makes me impatient at work:

...so much that I can't even get into it, but it's all around people being horrible.

Celebrity I hate:

This month, that has to be virtually anyone famous who has a penis.

Music artist I hate:

I can't stand Celine Dion and Mariah Carey.

I could care less about:

I've lost track of all the people under 25, the Vanessas and the Chrises--I'm just super-confused by everyone.

Blogger's habit that annoys you:

I admit, I'm a bit snobbish about spelling and grammar. Not the picky stuff, but if you can't get through a sentence without an error, maybe blogging isn't your thing. [Note: I'm not talking about anyone currently involved in this meme in any capacity.]

Feature on your blog you hate:

Why would I keep it on my blog if I hated it?

Politician that you hate:

Every . Single . Republican . in . Washington.

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It's beginning to look a lot like....

1. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

I love the carols on Christmas Eve, and the joy in kids' faces.

2. Do you send out Christmas cards and if so how many do you send?

I haven't sent cards in a decade.

3. Be honest: holiday newsletters. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

I find them endlessly amusing.

4. Be honest: photo cards. Love ‘em or hate ‘em?

If there are kids or pets, go for it. Otherwise, it's a bit over-the-top IMHO.

5. How soon do you start shopping?

Normally, I shop all year, but I've tailed off in the past few since I only buy for Beast and Sparky (and a few things for kids). This year, I only started the weekend after Thanksgiving.

6. Real or fake tree?

Fake.

7. When do you put up your tree?

Normally, something at the beginning of December. This year, not at all.

8. When do you take down your tree?

Early January.

9. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type)

Our current fake tree is too small. I'd like one that's another 2-3' tall so I could get all the decorations on again.

10. What do you top your tree with?

A star. Because, among other reasons, I'm in an extended boycott of commercial angels.

11. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?

Nope.

12. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?

Usually, yes. Not this year.

13. Do you hang up stockings?

Usually yes. Not this year.

14. Your favorite Christmas Movie(s)

This is not my thing. Beast has a whole thing with all the kids' TV shows and a few of the movies. Me, I'd rather skip them all.

15. Be honest: A Christmas movie you don't like

I don't really understand why "The Sound of Music" is a Christmas movie--it's not!--though I love the movie itself.

16. Favorite Christmas Song(s)

"Away in a Manger"

17. Be honest: If I hear this/these Christmas songs again I will throw up

I'm not that sick of anything this year. Yet.

18. Give or Receive?

Give.

19. Eggnog or Mulled Cider?

Eggnog.

20. Ham or Turkey?

Ham.

Saturday 9 x2

(Link in meme-roll)
My Church (2016)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about a woman who loves singing along with her car radio. Is that something you enjoy?

Uh, yeah. I'm kind of scary, actually.

2) The video begins with Maren Morris finishing her cigarette before getting behind the wheel. Do you allow smoking in your car?

I'm not sure I know anyone who smokes. Generally, though, no. No smoking in my car.

3) In this song, Maren admits she's lied. What's the last fib you told?

"I'm fine."

4) She mentions having her radio on the FM dial. Are you loyal to a single radio station? Or do you spin the dial?

I'm a spinner, and for at least the end of this cycle, I have access to Sirius XM. More channels; still nothing to listen to.

5) Maren was inspired to write this song while on a long car trip from Nashville to Los Angeles. When do you get your best ideas? (In the shower, behind the wheel, over lunch with friends ...)

When I'm asleep, I guess. Assuming I get good sleep, everything looks more do-able in the morning.

6) She performed this song on Saturday Night Live last year. The host that week was John Cenna Cena. Do you follow professional wrestling?

Oh hell no!

7) In 2016, when this song was popular, Alex Rodriguez played his final Major League Baseball game. He has embarked on a second career as a broadcaster. Would you be comfortable on camera?

Not without a ton of rehearsal. I can barely speak coherently without cameras these days.

8) A 2016 study revealed that 43% of Americans own mutual funds, many in their 401(k)s and IRAs. Are you involved in the stock market?

I'm part of that 43%, and Beast has always taken care of that. Yet another steep learning curve I'm looking at in the next months.

9) Random question: You have something awkward and embarrassing that you simply must tell a pal. You know your friend will not be happy with the news. Would you prefer to deliver it by email, in a phone call, or face to face?

Face to face. I hate stuff like this, but it's better to get it done than let it fester.

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Silent Night (1957)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) How well do you know "Silent Night?" Without looking up the lyrics, could you sing along with Elvis?

I know the whole thing pretty much by heart. 54 Christmases of hearing it more than once will do that that.

2) The Christmas with Elvis album hit the stores in October 1957. Were you already preparing for Christmas back in October?

Nope. I'm not really even preparing for Christmas now. There's not really a Christmas for me this year.

3) Clearly Elvis liked a flocked white Christmas tree. Is your tree flocked, aluminum or pine green? Real or artificial? Or do you skip the whole tree thing altogether?

My tree is fake, green, and in its box in the closet.

4) Back in the late 1950s, Elvis left his hair its natural brown color. In the 1960s he began having it dyed black. Do you have a salon appointment scheduled between now and year end?

I haven't had a haircut since sometime in September. I probably should get in and do that. One more thing I "should" do....

5) Have you ever peeked, looking for a Christmas gift you know is hidden for you somewhere in the house?

Nope.

6) Which do you prefer, candy canes or gingerbread?

I can't really eat hard candy anymore--it hurts my teeth--and I'm not a huge fan of gingerbread. Throw me some home-made fudge, though, and I'll love you forever.

7) Is anyone receiving a home made or do-it-yourself gift from you this year?

Hah. No.

8) Do you wrap holiday gifts in paper, or do you take the gift bag route?

There will be a tiny bit of wrapping with paper to do before Christmas Day for my great-nephews nearby, but otherwise, I think Sparky's getting his stuff in the shipping box in which it arrived.

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

Look, this year I would really like everyone to find someone who needs a hug, a shoulder on which to cry, and ear with which to listen, or something of the sort. Take the time to do that every day till Christmas. It's free, and God knows we all need someone to recognize our hurts and humanity.

Saturday 9

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The Man in Black (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Black is this week's signature color because Friday, November 24, was "Black Friday," when retailers cut their prices and consumers flock to the stores. Did you score any "Black Friday" bargains?

Nope. I worked all day, came home and was in bed by 7.

2) Among the biggest the Black Friday advertisers are Target, Kohl's, Macy's and Best Buy. If you could have a $100 gift card to any one of those stores, which would you choose? What would you buy?

Target, I guess.

3) Feasting and football are also popular Thanksgiving weekend pastimes. Do your Thursday-Sunday plans include pigging out or watching a game?

I did both on Thursday. I watched a little football on Sunday too.

4) Thanksgiving weekend is a major time for travel. How far did you venture from home for the holiday?

I went to my niece's house, about an hour from here.

5) This week's song, "Man in Black," is about a singer who refuses to wear bright colors. What color are you wearing as you answer these questions?

Red, white, and blue Puerto Rico shirt, beige yoga pants, black sox.

6) Johnny Cash first performed this song at Nashville's Vanderbilt University. When were you last on a college campus? What brought you there?

Sparky still works on his college campus (technically, that's my college campus too), so when I visited him at work last month, I guess that was it.

7) The average American man wears a 10.5 size shoe, the average woman wears a 7.5. Johnny Cash wore a size 13. Are your shoes bigger or smaller than the national average?

Bigger. But then I am, overall, bigger than the national average.

8) He preferred his coffee very strong. To make sure what he was drank was to his liking, he carried a jar of instant coffee with him and would ladle it into his cup in restaurants. What about you? What's your standard coffee order?

"Water, please." I don't drink coffee. Long, traumatic childhood story involving my stubbornness.

9) While in the air force, Cash wrote short stories under the pseudonym "Johnny Dollar." Make up a pen name for yourself.

So, I'm assuming you know my legal name has nothing to do with "Cat." right?

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Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (1971)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
In memory of David Cassidy, who died on 11/21/17.

1) This song mentions celebrating the holidays in "the new old-fashioned way." What's a holiday tradition that began with you (or your generation)?

Hmm. Chinese on Christmas Eve (before or after church depending on the timing) and then opening one gift under the tree and going to bed, followed by waking up the next morning and opening the rest while the Christmas Candle burns.

2) The lyrics include dancing, caroling and pumpkin pie. Will you enjoy any of those three between now and year-end?

I loathe pumpkin pie. I will probably whirl around the living room at some point; it's a thing that happens. And I will carol but not until Christmas Eve.

3) David Cassidy and The Partridge Family were intensely popular for a short period of time. For example, this song was from the best-selling Christmas album of the 1971 holiday season. Have you added any holiday music to your collection this year?

I haven't bought new Christmas music for myself in over a decade.

4) In 1971, the official David Cassidy fan club had a membership that exceeded both Elvis' and The Beatles'. Have you ever joined a fan club?

I think I did, briefly. Maybe?

5) David recalled that his first hero growing up was the Yankees' Mickey Mantle. When you were a little kid, what grown-up did you look up to?

Mostly adults I actually knew, hello.

6) David was a notoriously bad driver. In 1990, he was sentenced to traffic school for speeding. He was late for the class because he was stopped for speeding en route. Do you have a "lead foot?"

Nope. I have cruise control and I use it.

7) David's parents divorced when he was only four years old. He and his mom lived with her parents until he was 10. Have you ever lived in an extended, multi-generational household?

Nope. God help Sparky if he has to do this when I get old....

8) In 1971, when David and the Partridge Family were at their height, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Think of the last thing you bought. Did you pay with cash or plastic or your phone?

I paid cash for breakfast at McDonald's this morning.

9) Random holiday question: Let's talk regifting. Tell us about a time you regifted, or you received a present you suspect was regifted.

Look, if it's something I like, I don't care where it came from. If I hate it, I either pitch it or keep it to regift. So yes, I have a closet of things upstairs of things I can gift in an emergency.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
As Long as We Got Each Other (Theme from Growing Pains)
... because it's Father's Day weekend
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This is the theme from the 1980s sitcom, Growing Pains. Alan Thicke played Dr. Jason Seaver, one of TVs popular dads. Who is your favorite TV dad?

Well, Michael Landon as "Pa" is certainly up there. There was a show in the 70s called Apple's Way that I loved and the dad on it was good. I never liked much liked the shows where the dad was an idiot, although I love Tim Allen and I tried to like his show, I really did!

2) Joanna Kearns, who played Jason's wife, reports that she teased her costar by calling him, "Al," a nickname he hated. Is there someone in your life that you enjoy needling?

Only everyone I know, and occasionally even patrons I know fairly well. But I rarely mess with their names.

3) For most of the series, the Seaver children each represented a "type." The oldest, Mike, was the trouble maker. The daughter, Carol, was the brainiac. Young Ben could be very high maintenance. Which of the Seaver kids were you most like when you were growing up?

Carol, except I was much less of a jerk.

4) In the song, BJ Thomas sings about being "the luckiest dreamer who never quit dreaming." If you could have any dream come true this Saturday, what would you wish for?

Having awakened in the early hours with a headache that has since morphed into head-, upper back- shoulders-, and right wrist-aches, I'd settle for pain relief. I might even be willing to pass it along 100% to Beast if that happened, though to be fair he doesn't seem to be as sore as usual today.

5) When he mans the grill, Sam's father proudly wears the "Kiss the Chef" she gave him for Father's Day years ago. Tell us about a gift you gave someone that was a hit.

The T-shirt quilt Sparky received from us for high-school graduation is probably the one I like the most. He still uses it on his bed 6 years later, and somehow it's practically pristine even after four years in dorms!

6) Sam's dad takes his grilling very seriously and jealously guards his special marinade recipe. Do you have a secret you haven't even shared with family members?

My family-of-origin really knows very little about my life, to be honest. And there are a few things Beast doesn't know, nor Sparky.

7) He recommends using a grill basket when barbecuing vegetables so you don't have to worry about them falling through the grill. Share one of your culinary tips with us.

Add a sploosh of olive oil to the water when you boil pasta and the noodles don't stick together, which means you can make twice what you need for that meal and have leftover noodles for tomorrow. You can even make multiple batches, cool them, put them in freezer bags and have them ready to go for later in the month. (I'm all about saving time.)

8) Sam's father hates it when she swears. What's the last curse word you used?

I don't know for sure, but odds are it was "fuck." It seems to be the word of the year, even bigger than usual. It is awfully enjoyable to say in a lot of circumstances.

9) Sam's father satisfies his afternoon sugar craving with an almost endless stream of Butter Rum Lifesavers. When you crave a snack, do you usually want something sweet or salty?

Sweet. It's SUPER-rare for me to crave salty, but I'll eat almost anything sweet.

Friday 5 x 2

(Link in meme-roll)
Straight No Chaser

1. What keeps you on the straight and narrow?

   My conscience generally reminds me that I don't want to go to jail. Or be a jerk.

2. Who in your life is a real straight shooter?

   Most everyone in my family, and a couple of coworkers.

3. How straight are your teeth and hair?

   My hair is randomly curly/wavy, but not kinky-curly. My teeth are 40 years out from braces: still pretty straight, all things considered.

4. What’s a good song with the word straight in its lyrics or title?

   "Straight From the Heart" jumped immediately to mind. I'm not a huge Bryan Adams fan, but that song was pretty unavoidable when it first came out.

5. What’s something that needs straightening?

   A lot of people's attitudes seem to be ruffled of late. Including mine.

Tiny Gestures

1. What might you put in a small, pretty glass bottle as a romantic gift to someone?

   Well, I wouldn't put it in the bottle, but I might give someone perfume/cologne.

2. Someone you care very much for is leaving for a long time but will be back. What small object (not a photo) might you give him or her to remember you by?

   If pressed, I might just give them a small stone, nothing special, just to keep in their pocket to remember me by.

3. If you were to leave a small mark in your current residence, as lasting evidence that you lived there, what would you leave, and where would you leave it?

   Before the builders put up the sheetrock I ran around and Sharpie'd a cross on most of the door jambs of the house I'm currently in. When things are dire, it can help knowing that God's around.

4. What would you like to toss into the fires of Mount Doom?

   The Trump family.

5. Those adopt-a-star things are gimmicky rip-offs, but if they weren’t, and someone gave you one as a gift, what would you name it?

   I wouldn't name it. I let the astrophysicists of my acquaintance get on with things.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Mama Can't Buy You Love (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) This week's artist, Elton John, was made an Office of Arts and Letters -- one of France's highest honors for people who have contributed significantly to the arts. What's the most recent compliment you received?

I can't think of anything. I've been thanked, but I can't think of a compliment. Probably, it's because I am not geared to listen to them?

2) In 2013, Elton had to cancel an international concert tour because he had an appendectomy. Do you still have your appendix?

I do not. It came out "just in case, while [they] were in there anyway" in 1997. The surgeon was absolutely sure that my appendix was the cause of the immense pain I was having; it was not. (It was a baseball-sized tumor, which had burst. I'll spare the details.)

3) In 1979, Elton John was the first Western rock star to tour the Soviet Union. Would you like to visit Russia?

I have. And I'd go back in a heartbeat, though perhaps not right now. I'm sure it's changed a bit (hah) since I was there 30 years ago.

4) Elton and his mother hadn't spoken in years but he reached out to her and healed their b[r]each in honor of her 90th birthday in 2015. Who is the oldest person you know?

Hmm, interesting. I know a LOT of people in their 70s and early 80s. I used to know a lot of folks in their 90s. I can't actually think of who I know that's the "winner" here.

5) Flowers and plants are popular on Mother's Day. How is your yard or garden? Is it green and/or blooming?

It's kind of a mess right now: thousands of dandelion stalks in the yard, weeds in the gardens, unmown this weekend. At some point, Beast is just going to have to face reality and hire a yard service..... But, yeah, it's green under all the dandelions. That's rarely a problem 'round here.

6) Mother's Day is a big holiday for card shops. So are birthdays, weddings, and St. Patrick's Day. Hallmark sells greetings for everything from "Congratulations on Your New Job" to "Happy Retirement." Who received the most recent card you bought?

I'm pretty sure that was Val Day cards for Sparky and Beast.

7) Sam's mother is very careful when she unwraps presents because she likes to save money by to reusing wrapping paper and gift bags. Tell us one way that you economize.

I wash and reuse plastic storage bags (i.e. baggies). Yes, I've been warned multiple times about it. I don't reuse anything that had raw meat in it.

8) Mother Winters used to scold Crazy Sam for leaving her dirty dishes in the sink. Sam admits it: as a grown up, she still leaves dirty dishes in the sink. How about you? Is your sink or dishwasher empty?

I emptied the dishwasher before dinner, then immediately emptied the sink and drainboard into it, so now the counter is clear(er). Honestly? I can't get ahead. I'm so tired of living in untidiness, but I'm so tired, period, that I just don't seem to get things cleaned.

9) RANDOM QUESTION: What size mattress do you sleep on -- twin, full, queen or king?

We have a Sleep Number bed, king-size, with split mattresses so we can adjust head and feet separately. Aside from the hassle of buying sheets and the random separation of mattresses with use, I adore my bed. It is the absolute best investment we've made in furniture.

Sunday Stealing:

(Link in meme-roll)
The Xmas Questions of 2016

1. Do you send out Xmas cards and if so how many do you send?

Nope. We stopped that madness about 6 years ago, give or take. I mean, Facebook keeps us current with most people and we no longer have Sparky to talk about in the Official Letter. We're very boring.

2. Do you write and send a holiday letter to describe your year?

Oops, see above. I came to hate writing that letter every year!

3. What do you think of photo cards?

I love them if they are family photos. I think outside of family and very close friends, it's very easy to fall into pretentiousness or out-and-out silliness.

4. How about the tree thing – do you have one every year? Do you prefer a real or artificial?

We try to get the tree up every year. Last year it was just barely up before Christmas. This year it went up on Tuesday and Wednesday (I think) last week. Last year, the tree was still up in February for a few days. This year it's coming down over this coming weekend. Next year, I think we're going to have to suck it up and put both trees up. We have too many ornaments!!
I'd prefer real, in some respects, but I have allergies. And they drop so many needles!

5. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type). If you don’t have a tree, do you decorate and if so, tell us about it. (If you don’t decorate make up a story here…)

The current fake tree is only about 7 feet tall, but it's pre-lit and much easier to put together than the older fake tree, which is larger (maybe 8" tall? definitely wider, too). We've had that one for probably close to 20 years and it's fine, but such a pain. There is no "theme" to our tree, but I have a growing collection of bird ornaments of different varieties, and we get at least 4-5 new Hallmark ornaments every year for Star Trek (though this year, somehow Alien and a couple of Star Wars, and Caddyshack). We also have a fair number of Packers-related stuff on the tree. Some ornaments from my childhood--apparently, Beast's family didn't save any of theirs, which is weird--and all of the ones Sparky has collected since he was a baby. He easily will have enough to decorate a respectably-sized tree whenever he gets around to wanting to do that sort of thing. We also always put out the creche and few other Christmas things--churches, angels, Santas, some stuffed animals--and a good-sized box of books, tapes, CD's and other Christmas kitsch.

6. Do you hang up stockings? Whose names are on them (and relationships)?

We have three stockings, and they do not have names on them. Sparky's is blue with a bunch of appliqued crap all over it; mine is quilted white sateen with embroidered snowflakes, and Beast's is red cotton-wool with some fake fur around the top.

7. Your favorite Xmas movie(s) are:

I don't really "do" holiday movies. I mean I like A Christmas Story and Scrooged but I don't rewatch movies (or TV shows) with a great deal of enjoyment for the most part.

8. Tell us about an Xmas movie you hate.

I'm not at all a fan of the "movie-of-the-year" stuff that floats around this time of year on the Hallmarks, Bravo, E!....etc. etc. channels.

9. What’s [your] favorite Xmas song(s)?

I like the hymns. Especially the ones that aren't as well known. I love "O Holy Night" if it's being sung by someone with a good voice. "Joy to the World" reminds me of my dad. "We Three Kings" reminds me of my mom, as does "The First Noel" (both of which for silly reasons; in fact, from a musical point of view, I could live without the latter song forever and a day). I also like "The 12 Days of Christmas" believe it or not. And "The 12 Pains of Christmas" for that matter.

10. What holiday song makes you want to hurl?

I'm about done with "Winter Wonderland" for the rest of my life. And I've never really cared for "Back Door Santa" at all.

11. What do you prefer for your holiday meal?

Food. I'm really not fussy at all. I prefer not having to cook.

12. When do you open your gifts?

Normally, we open them Christmas morning. We used to open some on the Eve back when MIL and FIL were still sending Sparky the entire Toys R Us catalog every year.

13. Do you buy gifts for your pet?

Sometimes. I didn't get around to getting Pinto anything special this year. That's probably just as well; he's been having some, uhm, lower GI tract issues the last couple of weeks.

14. What's the worst gift you've ever gotten?

Over the years, I've gotten a great deal of crap. I can't think of any ONE that was outstandingly (and unintentionally) bad though. Usually the bad stuff is planned to be bad, as a joke.

15. Do you ever travel for the holiday?

We haven't done so in years. This year we drove an hour to my niece and nephew's house to hang for dinner and play with the kids, and act as a buffer between Alan's (divorced for decades, but still barely speaking) parents.

16. Did you see Santa as a child?

Only at the mall and on TV.

17. Have you ever gone caroling?

I absolutely LOVE caroling! I wish we did it more often. Our church used to do it, but we haven't for years. Probably no one has thought of it.

18. Do you drive around and look at the Xmas lights?

We have done this traditionally after our Christmas Eve feast at the local Chinese place. Once we have killed enough time, we head to late church. This year, the time was all goofed up, so we just ate, churched, and came straight home.

19. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Almost every year, to be honest. The whitest was 1982. I was home from college and Denver got dumped on big time. I spent Christmas Day in the driveway with my dad shoveling. We were, seriously, out there for a good 6 hours over the course of the day. But the sun was out by then, and it was sort of fun "racing" Dad.

20. Do you know how to ice skate? If yes, when did you skate the last time?

I haven't had ice skates on since I was in high school. I think my church youth group went ice skating a couple of times. I hated it: no ankle strength, no skill, and extreme fear of falling really isn't a recipe for fun.

21. Are we crazy for thinking that the holiday season is WAY too commercial?

It is what it is. It's entirely possible to ignore all that. I did pretty well in that department this year. If only we could turn off the crappy Muzak at the stores, it would be so much easier. I really can't stand buying groceries with those mothertruckin' Chipmunks warbling at 100 decibels.

22. Have you ever worked Xmas eve or Xmas day?

I've worked at least part of Christmas Eve for most of my career. It is not normally a holiday in the library "industry" unless you work in a union shop. This year, it was.

23. What are your Xmas pet peeves?

I hate getting wound up with "too much to do" and feeling overwhelmed. I hate feeling guilty about not doing "everything." However, over the years, Beast and I have agreed that it's totally not worth it to kill ourselves, so we try really hard not to turn December into a hurricane of buying, decorating and panicking. And we enjoy it just the same, probably more, than people who stay awake nights worrying about getting things "perfect."

24. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?

Family time. Hanging out. The days getting longer!

25. Here's your chance to say something significant to our players. Go for it!

I'm pretty stoked about these signs for our house and yard going into 2017. The local PSN* spread the word and took the orders, and I can't wait for the ground to clear (and thaw a little) so I can jab the one in the ground. One of the best Christmas gifts I've given myself, ever.
May all of you have a hate-free New Year!

*If you have to ask, I'm afraid I can't tell you publicly. :-)

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Happy Holidays! (from the archives)

1. ...Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?

I probably was really scared. I only remember standing in line one time for Santa, and I probably wigged out, but I do remember sitting on his lap for about 3 seconds and getting a candy cane at the end of the ordeal. I was probably 6 or 7 at most when that happened.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

I suppose I'm on the Nice list. I usually am, though I've had my years of edging towards Naughty. I'm never very bad though. Even when I was hardest on myself, I wasn't that bad.

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?

I shipped three packages on Monday. I suck. The overseas one may not make it, but they aren't getting together as a family till next week anyway.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?

Not ... exactly ...? Kinda? I mean, I bought (too many) Hallmark Trek ornaments in ?June? when they hit the market this year. I missed the later additions though, since their release hit at the same time the money dried up. That's probably about all Beast and I are "getting" this year. Since last year's haven't even been unboxed downstairs, though, it's almost like we have two years to look at if we get around to putting them out/up next week.

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie?

I don't like movies because of their holiday associations per se. We went and saw Collateral Beauty this week which has lots of Christmas setting-stuff, but it wasn't "about" Christmas. Good movie though. Bring Kleenex.

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?

Yes I have. And I think we're doing it again tomorrow. We saw Little Women back in '94 on Christmas, probably at least a couple since then, and tomorrow is Star Wars Rogue One day for us. It's our reward for behaving at my niece's house tomorrow afternoon.

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party?

Nope. I save my embarrassing moments for family get-togethers.

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?

Same as in warm weather: diet Dr. Pepper. I do like eggnog, but really, I can't drink very much: it's too rich.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

Beast had surgery a year ago and came home on Christmas Eve. It was a very low-key holiday, but definitely a good one.

HAPPY HANUKKAH! MERRY CHRISTMAS! AWESOME KWANZAA! Have a great holiday, whatever you're celebrating this weekend.
Belated God Jule and Mawlid an-Nabī as well!

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
O, Holy Night (1967)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This beloved carol takes its lyrics from a French poem. What else can we thank the French for?

My understanding is that they were somewhat helpful during our Revolutionary War. I'm not much of a Francophile so I can't really think of much else. I don't like their food, or their people. Or much else. I would like to see Versailles someday, though.

2) How well do you know "O, Holy Night?" Without looking up the lyrics, could you sing along with Ella?

Yup. I could. It's one of my favorites to listen to, but I would never try to sing it. You need a stupendous voice, which I don't have.

3) In order to get this record into stores in time for Christmas 1967, Ella had to record this in late July. So let's reverse that. Now that it's Christmastime, what do you miss most about summer?

HEAT! Though, not missing it tremendously yet. It really only got cold in the last couple of weeks.

4) Sam is crazy about the open toed pumps she'll be wearing to holiday parties, but that means she needs to get a pedi. Will you be at a salon between now and year-end?

Nope. I don't pedi between mid-October until mid-April.

5) Will you be consuming any egg nog this holiday season? And if you do, will it be spiked?

I have some in the fridge, but I doubt I'll be spiking it. I actually prefer it plain.

6) Thinking of holiday cuisine, what's your favorite Christmas cookie?

I like 7-Layer Bars and home-made fudge.

7) Sam knows she will get a bottle of red wine from her boss, because that's what he gives his staff every year. Is there a gift you can count on receiving?

Beast received his booze from a former client yesterday. The bottle is empty. I was at work all day. I just posted on Facebook that it's just a shitty idea to send people booze. Give 'em a free meal at a nice restaurant instead. No one needs booze. Me, I'd better get my Sour Patch Kids in my stocking.

8) What one gift would you most like to receive this year? Do you think anyone will get it for you?

The outlook is distinctly not good for getting what I really want this year. It looked far more likely last Wednesday.

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

Just help someone besides yourself. That's all I ask.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
The Last Time I Saw Him (1973)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Miss Ross sings of a tender farewell at the bus station. When did you last say goodbye to someone at an airport, dock, train or bus station?

I can't even remember. It was probably at the airport, but maybe at a train station. Weirdly, with all of our travels this year, we did no public goodbyes. Even dropping Sparky off the night before his flight was in his hotel room. There's just no place at airports anymore to properly say goodbye. Maybe it was Sparky's trip to Hawai'i a couple of years ago? We took him to the airport to meet his classmates to hit TSA as a group.

2) Continuing with the theme of "lasts," who received the last gift you gave?

My great-nephew J got a new book and money for a new car seat today.

3) Who last did you a favor?

Uhm...I can't remember. It happens TOO often!

4) What's the last thing you dropped or broke?

I couldn't find my car keys yesterday after loading the car for our trip to Homecoming. I ended up figuring they'd slid into a bag or something and I'd find them eventually, so I borrowed Beast's set of keys and off we went. Around the first corner there was a horrible scraping sound on the roof of the car...yep, my keys slid onto the road from the roof where I'd set them while loading stuff. Thank God for giant key rings!!

5) What's the last thing you borrowed or lent?

I probably borrowed a pen at some point this weekend.

6) When is the last time you danced?

This afternoon, actually, with my favorite dance partner: my great-nephew J.

7) When were you last nervous?

I'm on the verge of an anxiety attack almost all the time it seems. Yesterday as we left the reunion and I watch Beast evacuate his stomach in the parking lot. Or maybe Friday night after his meeting, trying to find him in the dark, in the rain, in a strange town.

8) What was your last DIY project?

The last big one we did was installing new faucets in bathroom and kitchen in July or August. The kitchen one needs to be re-tightened. Again. ...sigh

9) When did you last check your horoscope? Was it accurate?

I have no idea. It's not really something I do.

Friday 5 x 3

(Link in meme-roll)
Pees

1. What’s something that recently required perseverance?

Walking through airports. I swear, we are nearly always at the farthest-away-from-anything-else gates!

2. What’s something that’s been unpleasantly persistent?

My insistence on jumping in and "saving" things...often things that don't necessarily need my interference in the first place.

3. When has practice not proven to make perfect?

There is no hope in hell of me every becoming a quiet, lady-like woman.

4. Where were you last required to exercise patience?

Tonight waiting for Beast to pick me up, waiting for a ride to pick Beast up--plans do change radically sometimes--driving to pick him up, driving him home...getting him to bed. And in not asking about the obviously FUBAR garage door when we pulled into the driveway.

5. How do you feel about peas?

I like fresh peas. Always have. Not canned ones--they are evil and should be banned.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +
That’s My Fund-Day

1. What’s the last thing you didn’t want but purchased anyway because someone’s kid was raising funds for something?

I, fortunately, haven't been asked recently. Having said that 36 kids will show up on my doorstep this weekend.....

2. What’s something you’re always happy to buy when kids sell it as a fundraiser?

Chocolate!

3. What was the last fundraiser you participated in?

My nephew and his new bride sort of fundraised for their honeymoon trip rather than getting gifts or registering somewhere. They are not the registry sort, for one thing, and for another, many of the guests were all coming from (FAR) out of town, so they used Honeyfund and let us pick what we wanted to "buy" them.

4. What are your feelings about the endless cycle of fundraising?

I hate it. I hated having to sell Girl Scout cookies when I was a GS, so the growth in the industry doesn't please me.

5. What’s something people don’t sell as a fundraiser but really should?

Chores: weeding, cleaning, mowing, grocery shopping. I'd totally pay a kid to do this!

+ + + + + + + + + + + +
All Over

1. What would you like right now to be coated with?

This sounds positively repellent! I want to be covered in a sheet and blanket for a year-long nap. That's all.

2. What’s something you recently slathered on something else?

I made a peanut butter sandwich the other day with way more peanut butter than I really ought to have used.

3. What’s something you purchased recently whose purpose is to cover something?

I purchased quite a few clothing souvenirs for myself and assorted others. I guess that counts, right?

4. What do your current bed linens look like?

Messy. They are sateen-striped sheets, pale blue with two dark tan pillowcases along with the usual matching two. And a blue bedspread with shells and so forth embroidered (embossed?) on it.

5. Under what circumstances did you last wear some kind of gloves?

I haven't worn gloves in 4-5 months and have no clear memory of precisely when the last time I wore them was. That time is coming around again. Guess I should hit the store and stock up--at my age you would think I could hang onto a pair of gloves for more than one season, wouldn't you?

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Five O'Clock World (1966)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1. Think back to Friday. Did it fly by? Or did you find yourself checking the clock and wishing it was 5:00?

It was a busy day. My days are usually packed, and I rarely have time to watch the clock. This is entirely intentionally; I can't think of anything worse than sitting doing nothing.

2. This song refers to the 5:00 whistle that signifies the end of the work day. What's the last whistle, alarm or buzzer you heard?

I was at a high school on Wednesday for a couple hours and heard class-ending bells (really, 'tones' that are not at all bell-like) a few times.

3. In the 1960s, the Vogues often appeared on TV variety shows to promote their record albums. Do you have the TV on now, as you answer these questions?

Nope. I know, shocking! It's quite silent: I can hear the clock ticking, and Beast getting ready to head to church to do sound/lights for a funeral. And the washing machine cycling.

4. "Vogue" means "popular or fashionable." Tell us about something that you feel is in vogue today.

Meanness.

5. Vogue magazine reported that the big Fall/Winter trend was brocade. Describe the latest addition to your Fall/Winter wardrobe.

Brocade???? Holy cats, really?? smh
I bought a peasant-style blouse off Amazon during their post-Christmas sales. It's quite comfy, and I got it for less than half its tagged price.

6. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is such a difficult boss that disgruntled employees nicknamed her "Nuclear Wintour." What qualities do you think make a good boss?

Right now, I'd love to have a boss with people awareness, one that lets his staff get on with things and only gets involved in interpersonal stuff after the employees have tried to work things out among themselves. In general terms, though, honesty, humor, and creativity are imperative.

7. Ms. Wintour was rumored to be the inspiration for the character of Amanda in the book and movie, The Devil Wears Prada. Did you receive any books or movies for Christmas 2015? Did you receive any gift cards that you then used for books or movies?

I did get a couple of books--because Beast knows that I'd better get books or there'll be a problem. I don't think I got any DVDs and no gift cards.

8. "Vogue" was also a dance, made famous by Madonna in her 1990 hit by the same name. Can you name another Madonna song?

"Like a Virgin" was the first thing that popped into my head...followed by Weird Al's rendition.

9. Random question from a Sat9-er: How organized are your clean clothes? (Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer....?)

Today's laundry day, so most everything clean is put away. Socks are at least ON the boxes in which they're meant to be living, and there's one pair of jeans that I've only worn briefly that's hanging on the clothes rack.

Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Happy Holidays! (from the archives) [previously answered here]

1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?

I only remember going to see Santa once as a child. That doesn't mean I only did it once, but I only remember the one time. I was probably rather shy, but I don't remember being afraid.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

At work I'm firmly ensconced on the Naughty List, despite my best efforts to change that. I was actually told it would be easier to deal with me if I was angry all the time. I believe I'm done being friendly with the majority of my coworkers if that's the guff I get back from the boss, who of course won't (can't) tell me specifically who is "afraid" of me, just that "people" are. So my (early) New Year's Resolution is that I will discuss work-related issues only when I'm at work. I've blocked all but two coworkers from most of my Facebook posts (because apparently someone went running to Daddy the boss about something I posted there in which I used zero names or specifics). So, yeah, not feeling overly Nice.

3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?

I shipped the Christmas ornament of the year to all the great-nephews. Next year there'll be great-nieces! In fact, any second now there'll be girls--Rosellen is massively pregnant with twins. Anyway. The farthest away I shipped was Leicester, England, for Simi and A.

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?

Of course I did! :-)

5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie?

I don't really care about holiday movies. We didn't watch any this year at all. Yesterday, we caught the last half of "Ghostbusters" which is a weird movie for Christmas.

6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?

I have, a couple of times! The one I remember vividly is the year my Dad and Ellen died, we left Sparky with my mom and went to see "Little Women"--the Winona Ryder version--across the street from her apartment. It was a lovely day, and a lovely movie.

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party?

I try to behave, and only embarrass myself to the extent that I have a horrible tendency to develop foot-in-mouth disease at bad times, but not limited to parties, and not brought on by over-festive-ness.

8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?

The same as any other time of year. Oh, I'll have tea occasionally, but not that often.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

I don't remember much about Christmas Day last year. We were prepping for our trip to Pasadena to see the Tournament of Roses Parade, and Sparky was prepping for his month-long study in Hawaii. Last year was also the first time we all went to the Christkindlmarkt in the Giant City Near Us. I hope it won't be the last, though this year it wasn't happening because of Beast's medical situation.

Christmas Memes

(Rehash from the past--you'll have to search for "Christmas meme" and possibly page back through the previous posts)

#1
1. Worst Christmas song?

I didn't hear too much Christmas music this year, so I'm not exhausted from them. I don't like Mariah Carey or other treacly crap. Just sing the songs, do it well and with sincerity.

2. If you were a Christmas character, who would you be?

Anna. [Go read the first chapter or two of Luke.]

3. What type of decoration should stop being made?

Anything that smacks of "The War on Christmas"--I'm sick to death of super-defensive Christians.

4. Tastiest holiday treat?

My mom's fudge was so good....

5. Favorite pop culture/stereotypical Christmas icon?

Joseph. I always feel bad for him.

6. Know how to make cookies/brownies/cake from scratch?

Reposting last time's answer: Of course! Do I? Nope, except for the aforementioned [7-Layer Bars], and sometimes fudge.

7. Ever cut your mouth on a candy cane/candy?

This is why I don't eat much hard candy anymore. Or, frankly, a lot of sharp pointy foods (like potato chips).

8. What other culture would you like to experience Christmas with?

I don't know about the cultural traditions, but I'd like to go to Italy or Greece in December. Or Israel.

9. What kind of pattern/pictures do you like on your wrapping paper?

Again the last answer still applies: I'm not overly fussy.

10. Will Did you make a Christmas picture for your blog/website/profile?

I don't change the picture here ever, but I do have Christmassy photos on Facebook for profile and dashboard.

11. Three best things about Christmas?

Presents, good-hearted people who prefer to spread cheer rather than grinchiness, kids' faces after Santa visits.

#2
1. Candy cane or peppermint patties?

I prefer Ghirardelli's Peppermint Bark, thanks.

2. Sugar or gingerbread cookies?

This one hasn't changed at all since last time: Sugar. Of course. Really, need you EVER ask? :-)

3. Tinsel or beaded strands?

Tinsel.

4. Multi-colored or same-colored lights?

Still the same: I really prefer multi-colored, but the pre-lit trees apparently only come in white. So we have all white. And this year, that's ALL that made it "on" the tree. No ornaments, no tinsel, no other decor. It's been a crappy month.

5. Flashing or still lights?

No flashing.

6. Wreaths or mistletoe/holly?

We usually have a wreath on the front door, but not this year. Almost never have holly or mistletoe.

7. Rudolph or Frosty?

It will ALWAYS be ...: Rudolph.

8. Sledding or snowball fights?

I don't like snowballs, just handsful of snow flung. And while I have good memories of sledding/tubing, that is just not happening anymore for me. Not with a previously-broken tailbone that is quite twingy already.

9. Snow or ice/icicles?

Icicles are pretty, but as the daughter of a builder, I've always been aware that icicles now mean leaks in the spring. And snow is lovely when it's falling.

10. Snow hat or earmuffs?

I haven't worn either very often in the last few years.

11. Getting or giving?

The "correct" answer is giving, but I do like getting just as much. And it rather depends on what sorts of people I'm shopping for. Giving stuff to unappreciative people bites.

12. Snow days or plow trucks?

Snow days.

13. Stockings or presents?

Presents. Usually bigger items don't fit in sox. ;-)

14. Cookies & milk or letter to Santa?

When Sparky was little, yes, both. When I was little, yes, both. Not anymore: no kids in the house. And anyway, we broke our Santa dish a few years ago, so it's not very attractive anymore with the glue lines.

15. Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

I love Christmas Eve service, preferably the later one. But I love sitting around in PJs and playing with my new presents on Christmas Day.

16. Log Burning Channel or real thing?

Real thing.

17. Cards or emails?

Email. I haven't sent cards the last two years. Facebook FTW.

18. Shoveling or cleaning off the car?

From last time: Cleaning off the car. That's nothing. Shoveling is a nightmare.

19. Hot cocoa or eggnog?

There's no contest here: EGGNOG!!

20. Jack Frost or Little Drummer Boy?

LDB. Sorry, Jack, kickin' ya to the curb.

#3
Have You Ever?
1. Built a snowman?

Of course. But not this year--no snow--and not for a long time.

2. Heard Santa's sleigh?

We didn't have a chimney in the house I grew up in, so I never understood how Santa got in the house. Our chimney was on the back patio...so confusing to a wee one.

3. Seen Santa & Rudolph in the sky?

Nope. I was in bed, sound asleep before the gang was out delivering.

4. Sat on Santa's lap?

Yes.

5. Shoveled the driveway/sidewalk?

Ugh! SO . MANY . TIMES .

6. Made snow angels?

Yes, Not for a long time.

7. Built a fort/igloo?

Yup.

8. Written a Christmas list?

Yes. Thank you to Amazon for making it relatively easy to do this.

9. Written a letter to Santa?

Probably. I wrote more letters from Santa than I ever wrote to him, for sure.

10. Left cookies/milk for Santa & reindeer?

Yes, of course.

11. Caught a snowflake on your tongue?

Yes I have.

12. Gone caroling?

One of my favorite activities, and I haven't done it in a decade or more.

13. Gotten hurt during the winter season?

What I wrote last time still holds true: I had the flu one year when I was in high school, and I'm sure at some point I've had a cold, but that's it. Thank God! Beast had surgery day before yesterday, so I don't think I can outdo that, not that I want to!

14. Gone ice skating/sledding?

Not good at skating at all. Sledding was more fun when we called it tubing or trash-bagging.

15. Kissed under a mistletoe?

Yes. Not for awhile.

16. Get everything you wanted for Christmas?

I generally make out pretty well.

17. Cooked/baked Christmas goodies?

I stopped this about a decade ago because I realized I was eating everything that I made. Since I already pound down junk food at an appalling pace, I stopped making my own.

#4
Holiday Yay or.. Ugh
1. Holiday shopping?

Ugh

2. Icy roads?

Ugh

3. Limited driving visibility?

Ugh

4. Christmas carolers?

Yay

5. Mall Santas?

Yay, but I'm so glad this isn't a job option for me.

6. Salvation Army Santas?

Yay

7. Blizzards?

From last time: If I'm inside, yay.

8. 24/7 Holiday radio?

Yay

9. Freezing cold?

Last time: If I'm inside, yay. Unfortunately, freezing cold often happens around the same time as falling snow, requiring shoveling time. That's a definite UGH.

10. Setting up the tree?

This year it never got past the first stage for us: Thinking about it: ugh. Once I get started, it's usually yay.

11. Wrapping presents?

Yay

12. Visiting/seeing family?

Ugh.

13. Ad-Lib on "Rudolph…" (like Monopoly!)

YAY!

14. Free mint red/white candy?

Ugh.

15. Belief in Santa Claus?

Yay.

16. Chocolate countdown calendar?

I can't improve on this one at all: [from KW: Does nobody know the word “advent” anymore? which I second BIG time!] Yay.

17. Peeking at your gifts (or by accident)?

Ugh.

18. Making out with Santa under the mistletoe?

Last time: Since I know who is Santa in this house...weird beyond belief.

19. Decorated houses?

Yay.

20. Extreme decorated houses?

Not near me: yay.

21. White Christmas morning?

As long as it doesn't mean shoveling, yay.

22. Searching for ornaments in the attic?

This hasn't changed: Ours are in our front hall closet, easily accessible. Now, the wrapping paper? It's buried in storage. Ugh.

23. Santa knowing when you’re sleeping and awake?

A little creepy now that Elf of the Shelf has arrived.

#5
One Or the Other
1. Tree is fake/real?

All our inside trees are fake.

2. Tree is under/above 4′?

We still have all these trees: One is 6.5 feet, one is about 2 feet. The others are in between those sizes. Beast & I are discussing building a wooden tree on which the geek ornaments can hang. The little one isn't working anymore...hasn't for years: too many ornaments.

3. Open presents Christmas Eve/Day?

We always used to open one gift after church and before putting out cookies & milk for Santa. Beast's family did all their gifts on the Eve. My family did all of ours in the morning. We compromised. This year, though, we just did the morning because there wasn't much.

4. House/entire yard is decorated?

From last time--and I didn't even get THIS much done this year! HELL no! I get the tree up and some stuff scattered around inside the house, and a wreath on the door. That's it.

5. Amount of presents under the tree?

I think we each had 4-5 wrapped gifts under the tree and our stockings.

6. Snowman is a male/female?

Snowman.

7. Go for Santa/Jesus?

Last time: BOTH. Do people know that "Santa" means "holy" or "sainted"??

8. Homemade/delivered/takeout Christmas dinner?

Today I cooked a ham, but usually this is true: Christmas Eve, Chinese (Beast's family thing again). Day, we usually don't do ANYthing and just snack on leftovers and so forth.

9. Bedtime is before/after midnight?

We were tucked in bed by 10:30 last night following early church, Chinese dinner, and medication for Beast after returning home.

10. Wake-up is before/after 7am?

The rule has ALWAYS been after 7. Al.Ways.

11. Go/don’t go to church on Christmas?

Presbys don't church on the Day, just the Eve. We usually go to the later service, around 10:30.

12. Do shopping before/after Thanksgiving?

This year, I did virtually all my shopping online last week, and in the Random Gift closet upstairs.

13. Low-key/over the top decorations (inside and out)?

Nope. Nope nope nope. I like other people's stuff, but I'm far too lazy to do all that work.

#6
First Thought That Comes To Mind When You Hear…
1. Snowflake!

We've had exactly two snows this season, one heavy one, and one dusting. We haven't even seen much below-zero weather. It's a bit weird to have no snow here. Growing up...well, that was a crapshoot.

2. North Pole!

Elves

3. Elves!

Not those creepy ones on SNL.

4. Sleigh!

I'd love a sleigh ride. We do get carriage rides around the Square nearby, but it's not the same.

5. Presents!

Surprises.

6. Cookies!

Yum.

7. Mistletoe!

Haven't seen any in years.

8. Rudolph!

Adorable in my memory, excruciating to watch.

9. Blizzard!

If it means being stuck at home, I'm all for it.

10. School’s Canceled!

I totally follow this maxim these days: No work for me either, then!

11. Ice Skating!

Broken ankle/knee/hip...

12. Santa’s Lap!

Crying kids.

13. Black Friday!

The Great Satan, as far as I'm concerned.

14. Melting Snow!

Drip drip drip.

15. Carols!

I may go up and sing along with my (bad) keyboard playing and sing them to myself next week.

16. Lumps of Coal!

Myth. Never have I seen someone actually get this!

17. Nutcracker!

Always confused me as a child. I mean, this is what we used to open nuts when I was a kid. It confused me that there would be a ballet about this implement.

18. Ho Ho Ho!

I'd love if the original meaning of this came back.

#7
How Does He Do It?
1. Get down the chimney?

Maybe he's Dr Who....

2. Deliver presents all over the world?

See #1

3. Get so fat and still act so jolly?

Xanax and pie.

4. Recruit reindeer for sleigh-pulling lessons?

Don't you think, especially in this economy, that they are lining up for jobs?

5. Provide compensation for elves making toys?

Cookies. And lots of coffee. And also, where else are they going to get jobs?

6. Stay unseen from the rest of the world?

See #1

Would It Still Be Christmas Without…
7. Candy canes?

For sure.

8. Snow?

It seems to have occurred this year.

9. Stores opening at 5am?

Stores open at 5 on Xmas? Not around here!

10. Winter vacation?

No. At least around here, they've rejiggered the school schedule so the semester break happens when they break at Christmas.

11. Visiting family & friends?

Absolutely.

12. Fake Santas?

As long as they are appropriately merry and kind.

13. Christmas trees?

No. I think I have to insist on a tree.

14. New holiday movies?

Ugh, yes: please, no more!!

15. Getting holiday greeting cards/email?

Yeah. I can totally live without those.

16. Holiday tunes?

I've got to hear at least a few at some point.

#8
True Or False
1. You prefer to stay inside where it’s warm?

True.

2. You’ve given something (or $) to charity?

Yeah, for sure.

3. You spent more than what people spent on you?

Actually, I think it's starting to even out a little.

4. You like to take your time opening presents?

True. Drives people nuts.

5. The thing you want most this year costs $100+?

"Want" not so much, but I did get a new laptop. Which I've worked on getting set up for most of the day...still working on it.

6. You expect to get got more than 10 presents this year?

I think we hovered in that range, counting the stocking stuff.

7. You’re a Scrooge/Grinch?

Not usually. Not fully in the spirit of Doing Things Up Right this year, however.

8. Christmas = snow?

It's definitely more Christmas-like to me with snow, but I don't mind the occasional miss like this year.

9. You know the lyrics to more than 25 Christmas songs?

Easily true.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Christmas Questions Meme

1. Have you been naughty or nice this year?

I've been nicer this year than I have in many years past. Well, I've been less badly-behaved, trying to keep myself on the straight and narrow. Which means I've gained about 30 lbs. Oh well.

2. What do you want most for Christmas?

Beast home from the hospital and nerve-pain-free.

3. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I don't really have one. We usually watch Bill Murray's Scrooged at some point, and A Christmas Story. That's about all I can stomach.

4. How many Christmas cards do you normally send out?

Zeeee rowww.

5. Do you still get a stocking?

Yup. Although they are still packed this year, along with everything else including the tree.

6. What is your favorite Christmas song?

"Joy to the World" always reminds me of my dad singing the tenor descant.

7. What is your favorite Christmas tv special?

I've a soft spot in my heart for Rudolph, but I don't watch it because it's irritatingly SLOW.

8. What is your favorite way to wrap gifts?

In a bag with some tissue paper.... :-)

9. What do you look forward to most at Christmas?

Relaxing, thinking about the churchy stuff, doing the traditions, seeing family.

10. What did you do for Christmas this year?

Well, we haven't hit it yet...so...the plan is that we're taking Beast in for surgery Wednesday; he should be coming home Thursday. His attendance at Christmas Eve services this year is unlikely. I may go, with Sparky, to the late service if we get home in time, assuming everything works out. As I was typing this he told me he's not sure he can wrap my stocking-stuffer gifts because of his arm/hand being numb--which isn't unexpected, and I don't really mind of course. It's going to be a weird holiday. Between him on Wednesday, my niece expecting to give birth to twins any second now, and my great-nephew (different niece's baby) going in overnight for tests and maybe surgery, this is becoming The Year of Hospitals for the family.

11. Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe?

Beast. Not that we have any mistletoe.

12. What kind of Christmas tree do you have?

It's fake, and still in the box.

13. Did you take part in a Secret Santa?

Nope. Thank God--I suck at this! I did set aside a White Elephant for the work party, though, which we ended up not doing, and I missed the party anyway.

14. Did you go to any Christmas parties?

Nope. Well, ok, yes, I did go to our chapter's P.E.O. Auction/Christmas Party. And dropped a ton of money again. For a worthy cause.

15. How early do you wake up on Christmas morning?

Now that we don't have any reason to check on the Santa situation, we just get up whenever. Usually by 8 or so.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

(Link in meme-roll)

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?

The fact that I have at this point purchased less than $20 worth of Christmas gifts for Beast. Sparky is relatively good to go. Beast...I have no ideas. None.

2. Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year?

I'm fine with their choice. Nice to see an non-American woman on the cover of a major, mainstream American magazine for something that doesn't involve makeup, fashion, or breast implants.

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.

Yes we have one. I painted all the figures about 20 years ago--they came as plain whiteware--and we bought a "stable" to house them. They go on the dining room dresser, except Jesus who doesn't appear till after Christmas Eve service at church.

4. Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?

We usually deliver gifts for a local organization that gives Christmas gifts to every household in town that lives below the poverty line. If there are kids, each one gets a toy and a book. One of the Rotary Clubs puts it all together, with a lot of help, and this week is packing (tonight is toys and books, tomorrow is food) and Saturday is delivery. However, this year, I'm not sure we'll be able to help load out on Saturday because of Beast's whole back/shoulder thing. We'll have to play it by ear, just like every other freakin' thing in the universe right now.

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?

It's the most fun to shop for little kids. They just love everything!

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?

The mashed potatoes with dinner tonight were pretty good.

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is _____________.

Smile and have a positive attitude.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Two sick kids this week--not mine, only one family member--the kind of sick that involves hospitals, surgeries, and general long-term thinking rather than planning for tomorrow. Apparently, God is trying to tell me something about planning...and expectations, which was also part of the theme from last night's meeting.

Sunday Stealing

(Link in meme-roll)
Why Do You Want To Know That Meme

1. List 5 things you want to do before the year ends.

1. It would be nice to get the tree up at some point.
2. It would be also be good to have some gifts for Sparky and Beast under said tree.
3. I'd like to know that this situation with Beast's shoulder/neck was nearly over.
4. I want to get to focus on some step-work.
5. I'd like to get my medication situation figured out as well.

2. What color are your pants?

I'm wearing blue jeans.

3. Favorite motivational quote.

"It is not your job to complete the task of perfecting the world, but neither are you free to desist from it." [Mishnah]

4. When was the last time you drank coffee?

Decades. Yuck.

5. What was the last thing you ate?

I'm noshing on some bread right now. I never ate lunch.

6. Favorite animal.

Almost any canine. Also giraffes.

7. Favorite song.

Judging by the number of times I find myself singing it or thinking about the lyrics, "Amazing Grace."

8. Last movie you watched?

Last one I saw at a theater was "A Walk in the Woods" a couple of months ago. Last one I saw on TV...don't remember. We did watch something the other night but I honestly don't remember what.

9. Any turn ons?

Humor. Kindness. Intelligence. Strength, both physical and character.

10. Any turn offs?

Meanness. Unwillingness/Inability to be responsible.

11. List 4 big words off of the top of your head.

Antidisestablishmentarianism, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, pneumococcal, sesquipedalistic.

12. What are some meaningful movies?

Meaningful to whom? Me? "Paint Your Wagon", "Fiddler on the Roof", "Rocky Horror Picture Show", "Heathers", "Working Girls" (not the Melanie Griffith movie), and the single one I could watch over and over if it didn't make me want to do violence to myself and/or others, "Shoah."

13. 2 most important people in your life right now?

Beast and Sparky always top the list. After them, my therapist and my sponsor et al.

14. What are 3 things you want for Christmas?

NO DRAMA! A good book to read. A gift card for new clothes.

15. When was the last time you read a good book?

I've got several going right now: The Paying Guests (Sarah Waters), The Sibling Effect: What the Bonds Among Brothers and Sisters Reveal about Us (Jeffrey Kluger), The Man Who Wasn't There: Investigations into the Strange New Science of the Self (Anil Ananthaswamy), Everything I Never Told You (Celeste Ng), and The Company She Kept (Archer Mayor). This is my normal quota. One's at work for lunchtime reading. Two are on my Nook for bedtime. One is in the bathroom. And the Celeste Ng book I ran out of time on and have back on reserve from the library, for my Nook.
The last truly excellent book I read was Between the World and Me (Ta-Nehisi Coates). Read it. It's short and powerful.

16. What was the last thing you studied?

I do Bible study every Wednesday. I study the RDA/MARC/[library acronym of the moment] rules often enough at work. I've been poring over violent death stats online lately.

17. Do you have any nicknames?

Assuming that "Mom" isn't a nickname, "Cat." is the only one.

18. Favorite kind of perfume? (fruity, alluring, etc.)

I like a vanilla base and some sort of wood or earthy scent. Not big into florals.

19. Do you have any international friends / friends who live out of state?

Most of my best friends live in another state from me. There's only one direct family member in my state (four if you count her husband and kids). I've got family overseas as well as a few friends. [I was going to say "all my friends live out of state" before I realized how sad that sounds--and it's not even true.]

20. What is something unique that you do every single day?

Well, it's not unique if I do it daily, is it? So I guess this means something weird only I do. I suspect nothing I do is 100% unique, but I don't know anyone besides me who is stupid enough to chew gum in bed.

21. If there was a movie based on your life, what would it be called?

"You Can NOT Be Serious!"

22. When was the last time you bought a gift for someone?

Last week.

23. Are you a shopaholic?

Emphatically not!

24. What are some songs that always make you feel better?

A lot of hymns (e.g. "O God, Our Help in Ages Past", "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", "Here I Am, Lord", "Blest Be the Tied That Binds", "Morning Has Broken"). And a lot of P!nk songs (e.g. "Get the Party Started", "Raise Your Glass", "U + Ur Hand") and almost anything by Bruno Mars.

Friday 5, belated

(Link in meme-roll)
Holding

1. When did you recently experience a pleasantly delayed gratification?

   Birthday presents are a bit of that, aren't they? I got the starter set for Cards Against Humanity, which Sparky and I worked through last night. ;-)

2. What’s something you’d like to just fast-forward through in the next few weeks?

   Beast's pain, and probably his recovery. I'd like a memory-block too, since he's a total shithead when he's in pain in the evenings. Yes, I know it's the pain talking but the words are coming out of Beast's mouth.

3. What’s something in the next few weeks you’ll wish you could slow down so you can savor the experience?

   My days off this coming month. They go by TOO FAST.

4. What’s something that takes you a lot longer than it used to?

   Recovering from being on my feet all day on Thanksgiving!

5. What’s something you saved for later, but when later came, you decided you didn’t really want it?

   A lot of the stuff on my Amazon wishlist rotates off fairly regularly. Also random coupons and store discounts that lay around forever and eventually get thrown out.

Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
Letter of the Law
This week’s questions are inspired by such mnemonics as The ABC of First Aid (airway, breathing, and circulation) and the Three Rs of Education (reading, riting, and ‘rithmetic). As far as I know, the questions don’t have any actual basis in real life. I just created them as possible scenarios, so do your creative, thoughtful best!

1. What are the ABCs of dining out?

   Always Bring Cash (or Card, if you prefer that).

2. What are the Three Cs of dating?

   Conversation, Creativity, Colloquy (which is pretty close to the first word, so if you're fussy you can go with Comfortable).

3. What should you SHOP for in gift-giving?

   Something He Observes Pleasantly.

4. What are the four Ps of petcare?

   Petting, Playing, Providing, Pleasing.

5. How do you go WILD in seeking a good time?

   We Imagine Laughing & Dancing.